.JPG)
At some point, many of us find ourselves pursuing multiple passions. This year, I took on the challenge of preparing for a 9-hour endurance mountain bike race while continuing to attempt to progress as a climber. Training for the Park City Point to Point—a 75-mile race with nearly 11,000 feet of climbing—while staying sharp on the wall was no easy task, but with careful planning and the right mindset, it’s something I hope will inspire others juggling competing athletic interests.
Identity Flexibility: Embracing Multiple Pursuits
We often define ourselves by a single athletic identity. We might think of ourselves as “a cyclist” or “a climber,” but allowing some flexibility in how we see ourselves can have long-term benefits. This concept of identity flexibility is something I first heard Steve Maisch discuss on the Nugget Podcast. Steve was training for both climbing and bike racing, just like I was, and his approach resonated with me.
The truth is, having multiple interests can keep us more engaged and excited about our training. It helps prevent burnout and opens up new ways to challenge our bodies and minds. By embracing fluidity in our athletic identities, we become better equipped to tackle diverse goals, and ultimately, we stay more motivated and adaptable.
Managing Workloads: Finding the Balance
Since early spring, my main priority was training for the Park City Point to Point, but I also wanted to continue improving my climbing. Balancing the two pursuits required careful workload management.
On a weekly and monthly basis, I alternated between high and low intensities for each sport. For example, during a heavy cycling week, I would decrease the intensity and volume of my climbing training, and when cycling intensity was lower, I could ramp up my climbing efforts. This approach helped me maintain balance and avoid overtraining.
Specific Adjustments to Workload Volume
During low-volume riding weeks, I increased my climbing-specific training. I would typically focus on roped climbing, taking advantage of the reduced time spent on the bike. These low-volume riding weeks also allowed for an extra lifting session, maximizing strength training. On average, this would look like 6-8 hours on the bike spread across 3-4 rides, with one ride being around 2-3 hours long. By reducing cycling volume, I created the opportunity to add climbing volume, ensuring both sports received focused attention.
One of the key elements to managing this effectively was starting with the end goal in mind—working backwards from the race date to plan the ebbs and flows in my training. Knowing when I needed peak cycling weeks helped me identify the ideal times to increase climbing intensity. This strategic planning ensured I was maximizing performance in both sports without overwhelming my body.
During peak cycling weeks, when my riding volume was highest, typically around 12-16 hours over 3-5 rides (including a 4-6 hour long ride), my climbing training shifted towards maintenance. I focused on high-intensity, short sessions that targeted key areas like finger strength and maximum pulling power. These climbing sessions were brief—20-30 minutes of bouldering and high-intensity finger hangs, paired with low-rep, high-intensity lifts such as 3x3 or 4x2 at >80% of my 1RM. This approach allowed me to preserve essential climbing strength without overtaxing myself during heavy cycling periods.
Micro-Planning for Daily and Weekly Structure
In terms of day-to-day scheduling, I typically rode in the evenings, leaving climbing and strength sessions for the mornings. This pattern helped me maintain recovery between sessions and fit both sports into a busy week. On weekends, I stacked longer back-to-back rides, especially during peak cycling weeks. Unless it was a low-volume week, I didn't focus on climbing during these back-to-back sessions; instead, I emphasized mobility and recovery to prepare for the next riding block.
By carefully adjusting workloads and listening to my body, I was able to stay balanced, avoid burnout, and continue progressing in both climbing and cycling throughout the season.
Prioritizing Key Performance Indicators for Climbing
Despite the endurance demands of my bike training, I focused on maintaining two essential climbing performance indicators: maximum finger strength and maximum pulling strength. These were areas I couldn’t afford to neglect, especially as endurance training tends to reduce upper body muscle mass. I followed Climb Strong’s Max Hang Max Pulls program to maintain these key metrics.
I aimed for two lifting and hang sessions every 10 days, concentrating on low-volume, high-intensity work. This included pull-ups, bench presses, and two specific finger positions using max-style hang schemes. Additionally, I incorporated short bouldering sessions, which I initially planned to do twice per week but ended up doing closer to once every 7–10 days. These sessions focused on high-intensity movements that I knew would help me maintain strength despite the time away from real rock.
Here’s what a typical day would look like during this dual training phase. Since I did my climbing training in the morning, I’d get up early and warm up at home before the gym opened. Time in the gym was limited by their opening hours and my work schedule, so I was usually left with just 60-75 minutes—meaning I had to be efficient. At home, I would start with a global warm-up using bodyweight exercises and some time on the hangboard to prime my fingers and shoulders.
Once I got to the gym, it was straight into the lifts. My focus was on high-intensity, low-rep work—typically bench press and pull-ups, with 3-4 sets of 2-4 reps at a challenging weight. Between sets, I’d perform max hangs on the hangboard, targeting 5-8 seconds for each hang, and focusing on two specific grip positions: half-crimp and two-finger pockets. I usually aimed for 3-4 hangs per grip, working towards my climbing goals even within a short session.
After finishing the lifting and hangboard work, I’d head straight over to the spray wall for the rest of the time I had left. There, I worked on hard, 3-6 movement sequences, with a focus on crimp and pocket holds that mimicked the type of climbing I do most often. The spray wall training helped me stay sharp and connected to the specific movement patterns and holds I needed for real climbing, even though I was splitting my energy between two sports.
Efficiency was key, and these short but intense sessions ensured I stayed on track with my climbing goals without compromising my cycling training
The Mental Game: Balancing Competing Interests
The mental component of dual training is just as challenging as the physical demands. For me, being able to pursue multiple athletic interests keeps things fresh and motivating. While it’s difficult to prioritize one over the other, having a smart approach allows you to address key components of both sports and keep making progress.
This type of dual pursuit also ties into the concept of fluid identity, something Steve and Brad from The Growth Equation often discuss. Being flexible in how you see yourself as an athlete can lead to better long-term results and more personal fulfillment. You don’t have to pigeonhole yourself into one identity—it’s possible to excel in more than one area.
"Long-term, it’s beneficial to embrace multiple passions, even if they seem to compete on paper. It helps you grow both mentally and physically, and keeps you excited about your training."
The Struggles and Benefits of Coaching
Balancing two high-demand sports is challenging and comes with inherent difficulties. One of the most valuable tools in navigating these struggles is having a coach. A coach can help you manage your workload, track your progress, and ensure you stay on course with your goals. They provide accountability and can help you adjust when things get tough.
In addition to a coach, keeping a detailed training log is essential. By tracking your sessions and progress, you can see patterns and make informed adjustments to your training plan. Expect setbacks and challenges, but also expect progress if you approach it with intention and a solid strategy.
"Don't hesitate to seek guidance. A coach can help you navigate the complexities of balancing multiple pursuits and help you reach your goals."
If you’re juggling competing interests or struggling to find balance in your training, reach out to us. We can help figure out how to best manage the physical and mental demands of balancing multiple sports. Whether you’re a climber, cyclist, or multi-sport athlete, we’re here to help you create a plan that works for you. Reach out today and start taking control of your training!